Driving While Drowsy: Just As Dangerous As Driving Drunk

April 16, 2013 - PRLog -- A recent National Sleep Foundation poll found that teens and adults in their twenties reported less sleep satisfaction and approximately one in five rated as “sleepy” on a standard clinical assessment tool that determines whether sleepiness impairs daily activities.
Sleep problems are deadly. The NSF has reported that driving while drowsy is just as dangerous as driving while under the influence of alcohol. In fact, drowsy driving may be a bigger threat than drunk driving – after all, most people wouldn’t think of driving if they’d had one too many, however, most of us wouldn’t think twice about driving while fatigued.
Being drowsy or sleepy while driving results in slower reaction times, vision impairment (it is tough to focus when you can barely keep your eyes open, after all), lapses in judgment, and delays in processing information – all critical elements for safe driving and avoiding accidents. Furthermore, being exhausted tends to take its toll on your mood – drowsy drivers are more prone to road rage and other aggressive behaviors.
"Young Americans are sleepy, and this affects their health and safety," says David Cloud, CEO of the National Sleep Foundation. "It’s important to get the word out that it’s dangerous to drive drowsy. This could save thousands of lives.”
Using an analysis of previous data, the AAA Foundation estimates that about one in six deadly crashes involves a driver that is drowsy. The National Sleep Foundation’s 2011 Sleep in America poll found that among those who drove, about one-half (52%) indicated that they have driven drowsy, with more than one-third (37%) doing so in the past month.
Although caffeine, fresh air, and loud music are often used by tired drivers to wake themselves up, the number one way to ensure you do not end up driving drowsy is to get a good night’s sleep the night before, particularly the night before you embark on a long drive. And if you have trouble sleeping, listening to Speed Sleep can help solve that problem. Speed Sleep is a simple recording that programs your mind and body to fall into a deep slumber rapidly and easily. There are two tracks – one for a rejuvenating power nap and one for a full night’s worth of sleep.
Besides the energy boost gained from using Speed Sleep, there is increased productivity and creativity. It is almost impossible to be industrious or creative when tired from a lack of sleep, and another cup of coffee can’t replace a solid night’s sleep and using sleep aids or sedatives at night can lead to being groggy for the entire following day. However, Speed Sleep can make it possible to awake recharged and refreshed.
For more information visit speedsleep.com.